NLG-SF is hosting a forum to prepare attorneys, legal workers, and activists for defending the right to vote, the right to assemble and to free speech, the right to due process, the right to resist, and the right to a free and fair election this November. In this forum we will discuss potential scenarios for the election and what we might expect to see from the white house, at the polls and on the streets.
The first half (Part 1) will be a panel discussion with movement leaders, poll monitoring organizers, and other legal workers and activists working to defend the election. The second half will be break out sessions for NLG members and partner organizations to participate in interactive trainings and work groups towards engaging in voter know your rights and protection and election defense work.
*Once you register for this event you will receive a confirmation email with a zoom link for Part 1: Panel discussion. Then, all NLG members and partners will receive a link to Part 2: Strategy Sessions on the day of the event*
Agenda
11:00amPST/1:00pmEST - 3:00pmPST/6:00pmEST
Panel Discussion moderated by Sara Kershnar and Jay Kim (11:00 - 12:35)
11:05 - 11:25 Kali Akuno, Cooperation Jackson and The Peoples Strike
11:25 - 11:40 Kimi Lee, Seed the Vote
11:40 - 11:55 Julia Marks, Advancing Justice
11:55 - 12:10 Ría Thompson-Washington, Center for Popular Democracy
Strategy Sessions (12:45 - 1:45)
- Defending Voting Rights and a Free & Open Election: Legal protections for voters
- Voter Guardians: What is the range of things needed at polls? Ballot boxes?
- Mass Defense around the Election: Legal consequences and strategy around diverse tactics
Report Backs & Next Steps (1:45 - 2:00)
While the military has explicitly stated they will not back Trump in attempts to hold office beyond his term, law enforcement agencies have been steadfast in their commitment to defending his presidency. And with the designation of anti-fascism as terrorism and the violent repression that has ensued since, we must be prepared to defend the basic right to vote and those who rise up in protest whatever the result of the election. This preparation must include as many of us as possible, and employ as many tactics as we see fit.
Thus we invite all of you as NLG members and members of our broader community and networks to come together to build shared understandings of this moment and equip ourselves with legal and political strategies to support resistance: from voter repression to authoritarianism.
Our panelists will include a range of perspectives on these issues and there will also be the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions where we will strategize potential legal action. Please bring your ideas, and most of all, bring a willingness to participate in the practical work that comes out of this symposium for us to better defend and protect our communities and movements.